If you’ve ever wondered whether the water coming out of your tap is truly safe to drink, you’re not alone. From strange tastes to hidden contaminants, water quality concerns are top of mind for many homeowners in western Washington. That’s why more and more people are turning to reverse osmosis systems—powerful filtration units that promise cleaner, better-tasting water at home.
But is a reverse osmosis system the right fit for your home? In this guide, we’ll break down how RO systems work, what contaminants they remove, how they compare to other options, and what you need to know before making the investment.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane filters out contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, lead, and more, letting only clean water through. The result? High-purity drinking water that’s free from up to 99.9% of many of the invisible threats common in municipal or well water supplies.
According to the EPA, high pressure membranes like those used in reverse osmosis are highly effective for treating contaminants of emerging concern, including PFAS and nitrates—two growing issues in the Pacific Northwest.
Key Benefits of RO Drinking Water
- Reduces 90–99% of Contaminants: Including nitrates, arsenic, lead, fluoride, chlorine, and sediment
- Improves Taste and Smell: No more chlorinated or metallic taste in your glass
- Better for Health: Especially useful for people with compromised immune systems or specific health conditions
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce reliance on bottled water, lowering your carbon footprint and saving money
When Reverse Osmosis Is the Best Solution
Reverse osmosis systems are considered one of the most effective water filtration technologies available for drinking water today, but they’re especially valuable in certain situations where water quality challenges go beyond taste or odor. If you’re trying to decide whether a RO system is the best fit for your household, here are some specific scenarios where reverse osmosis truly shines:
- You rely on a private well or live near agricultural zones: Nitrates from fertilizers and septic runoff are common in these areas and can be hazardous to infants and pregnant women. RO systems are one of the few home filtration options capable of significantly reducing nitrates in drinking water.
- Your water contains trace contaminants like arsenic, PFAS, or fluoride: These invisible but harmful substances aren’t always removed by basic filters. A reverse osmosis system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, offering long-term protection against these contaminants.
- You’re dealing with high total dissolved solids (TDS): It’s important to keep in mind that hard water can damage the RO membranes by causing scale buildup, which reduces system efficiency and increases maintenance costs. If your home has hard water, a water softener or anti-scale pre-treatment should be installed ahead of the RO system. When properly protected, reverse osmosis can effectively reduce TDS and improve the taste and clarity of your drinking water.
- You want high-quality RO drinking water at every faucet: Whole-home RO systems can deliver purified water to every tap, protecting not only your drinking water but also your appliances, plumbing, and even your skin and hair.
Reverse osmosis isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution—but when used in the right context, it can drastically improve your home’s water quality and reduce long-term health risks.
Schedule a free water test with Pure Water Northwest to discover what’s really in your water—and whether a reverse osmosis system is the best water filtration system for your home.
Visual Comparison: Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Options
| Feature | Reverse Osmosis (RO) | Whole-Home Filtration | Faucet Filters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminants Treated | Dissolved solids, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, PFAS | Sediment, chlorine, sulfur, scale | Chlorine, taste, odor (limited heavy metals) |
| Installation Location | Under-sink or dedicated tap | Main water line (point-of-entry) | Attached to kitchen faucet |
| Maintenance | Filter and membrane changes every 6–12 months | Filter/media replacement 6–18 months depending on type | Filter cartridge every 2–3 months |
| Best For | High-performance drinking water purification | Whole-home protection from common municipal and well water issues | Basic point-of-use filtering for renters or light use |
What to Keep in Mind Before Installing an RO System
- Efficiency Is Improving: While traditional RO units used to waste 3–4 gallons per gallon of purified water, many modern systems now offer high-recovery designs that significantly reduce waste. Be sure to ask about water-saving models when exploring your options.
- Balanced Water, Better Taste: Because RO systems remove both contaminants and minerals, you may want to add a remineralization filter. This optional stage can enhance taste and provide a more balanced final product, especially for those used to the flavor of spring or mineral water.
- Addressing Iron First: If your water has a metallic taste or causes rust-colored stains, high iron content could be the cause. Pre-treatment with solutions like our Iron Titan system can prepare your water for optimal RO performance and extend the life of your filters.
Maintenance Tips for RO Longevity
To get the most from your RO drinking water system:
- Replace pre-filters every 6–12 months (sediment and carbon)
- Change the RO membrane every 2–3 years
- Flush the system to avoid bacterial growth if unused for extended periods
- Clean the system housing annually and check for leaks
For homes with high iron or bacteria levels, monthly chlorine dosing and use of a Pure Blue canister filter may also be needed. Learn more about treating iron bacteria.
FAQs About Reverse Osmosis
Is RO water safe for children and pets?
Yes. Reverse osmosis water is free from harmful contaminants and safe for all ages, including infants and pets.
Can I install a reverse osmosis system myself?
You technically can—many under-sink RO systems come with DIY kits. But just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s always ideal. For proper placement, leak prevention, and long-term performance—especially in whole-home systems or homes with unique plumbing—professional installation is highly recommended.
What’s the difference between RO and a water softener?
Water softeners remove hardness (calcium, magnesium), while RO removes a broad spectrum of contaminants. They serve different purposes and often work best together.
What’s the cost of operating an RO system?
RO systems typically cost $100–$300 annually for maintenance, depending on usage and filter type. Still, it often saves money compared to buying bottled water regularly.
Conclusion: Is Reverse Osmosis Right for You?
If you want cleaner, better-tasting water free from contaminants like arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis system may be the best drinking water solution for your home. It’s a long-term investment in your family’s health and peace of mind.
Still not sure? Contact Pure Water Northwest for a free water test and expert guidance tailored to your unique home and water quality.
Don’t settle for questionable water. Discover the best water filtration system for your home—one that works for your lifestyle and your health.